scope:

This test procedure details a standard method to determine the integrity of the seal of the shell, insert and contact interfaces in an electrical connector.

Object

The air leakage test may be conducted as one of the tests in a sequential test plan, and after or during the exposure of the test specimen to a specified temperature. Basically, this procedure consists of establishing a pressure.differentiai between the front and rear faces of a mounted connector and measuring the degree of leakage through the seals of the test specimen by means of a detection device located on the low pressure side of the test specimen. Leakage may be determined by either the hermetic seal or environmental seal test methods as specified herein.

Hermetic seal

Hermetically sealed connectors usually have contacts bonded to the connector by glass or other materials and permit a maximum leakage rate of gas such as 1 x lC⁵ cm3/s at 101.3 kpa (1 atm) or a lower maximum rate. 

Environmental seal

An environmentally sealed connector is usually provided with gaskets, seais, potting or other devices to keep out moisture, dirt. air, or dust that might reduce its performance.